Ruddy Kingfisher (Ryukyu subspecies)

Halcyon coromanda bangsi Japanese Name: リュウキュウアカショウビンChinese Name: 琉球赤翡翠English Name: Ruddy KingfisherOrigin: Summer migrant to the Ryukyu Islands The Ryukyu Ruddy Kingfisher is a subspecies of the Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda bangsi). During winter, it resides in the Philippines, while in summer, it migrates to the Ryukyu Islands for breeding. Compared to the subspecies that migrates… Continue reading Ruddy Kingfisher (Ryukyu subspecies)

Ryukyu Flying Fox

Pteropus dasymallus Japanese Name: クビワオオコウモリChinese Name: 琉球狐蝠English Name: Ryukyu Flying Fox / Ryukyu Fruit BatOrigin: Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan The Ryukyu Flying Fox is divided into several subspecies across the Ryukyu Islands and Taiwan. The Okinawa Flying Fox is relatively common on Okinawa Island. These bats enjoy a variety of plant-based foods, including new leaves,… Continue reading Ryukyu Flying Fox

Ryukyu Aburazemi

Graptopsaltria bimaculata Japanese Name: リュウキュウアブラゼミChinese Name: 琉球油蟬English Name: Graptopsaltria bimaculataOrigin: Okinawa Island and surrounding islands, Amami Oshima, Kakeromajima, Tokunoshima Reference:“Okinawa’s Cicadas” by Shinsei Publishing In Japan, a different species of Aburazemi (G. nigrofuscata) is found north of Yakushima, while Ryukyu Aburazemi is endemic to the central Ryukyu Islands, including the Amami and Okinawa Islands. The… Continue reading Ryukyu Aburazemi

Ryukyu Warbling White-eye

Zosterops japonicus loochooensis Japanese Name: リュウキュウメジロChinese Name: 琉球綠繡眼、日菲繡眼琉球亞種English Name: Ryukyu Warbling White-eyeOrigin: Islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, south of Amami Oshima This subspecies is one of the subspecies of the Warbling White-eye (Zosterops japonicus). Compared to the nominate subspecies found in Japan, which has a brownish color under the wings, the Ryukyu subspecies has a whiter chest.… Continue reading Ryukyu Warbling White-eye

Ryukyu Brown Hawk-Owl

Ninox japonica totogo Japanese Name: リュウキュウアオバズクChinese Name: 琉球褐鷹鴞、日本褐鷹鴞琉球亞種English Name: Ryukyu Brown Hawk-OwlOrigin: Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands The Brown Hawk-Owl found in Japan was previously classified under the scientific name Ninox scutulata. However, in 2002, this species was separated from Ninox scutulata and recognized as a distinct species. It is further divided into the following three subspecies:… Continue reading Ryukyu Brown Hawk-Owl